Must-see restaurants in South Philadelphia

  • Noord

    South Philadelphia

    Think Dutch comfort food rather than new-Scandi cuisine at this welcoming BYOB just off the main E Passyunk drag. Jovial Netherlands-born chef Joncarl…

  • Hardena/Waroeng Surabaya

    South Philadelphia

    Short of a trip to Jakarta you are unlikely to find better authentic Indonesian food than that served at James Beard–nominated Hardena. Order at the…

  • Le Virtù

    South Philadelphia

    Chef Joe Cicala is dedicated, obsessively so, to the cuisine of Abruzzo, the region east of Rome, where he long studied with home cooks. Old-school ways…

  • Sabrina's Cafe

    South Philadelphia

    Sabrina's made its name here in the Italian Market area with its brunch: stuffed French toast, gooey pork sandwiches or, for the daring, the 'Barking…

  • Ishkabibble's

    South Philadelphia

    With a reputation for scrumptious steaks and long lines, Ishkabibble’s is a timeless part of Philadelphia lore. Regulars patronize the tightly packed…

  • John's Roast Pork

    South Philadelphia

    True Philly cheesesteak (er, porksteak…cheesepork?!) served with true Philly atmosphere: no frills, better-have-your-cash-ready-or-else, yelling when…

  • Townsend

    South Philadelphia

    Townsend Wentz's elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant is a dream date spot. Service is excellent and the food is delicious if sometimes a little skimpy on…

  • Hungry Pigeon

    South Philadelphia

    Although it's a pleasant spot for breakfast or a drink at its bar, Hungry Pigeon comes into its own for dinner, when chefs Scott Schroeder and Pat O…

  • Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

    South Philadelphia

    In business since 1923, this corner Jewish deli is famous for its monster-sized sandwiches, big enough for two to share. The menu is a roll-call of Jewish…

  • Saté Kampar

    South Philadelphia

    You will not find more authentic or delicious Malaysian food in Philadelphia than that served here. Skewers of meat or tofu are grilled to order and come…

  • Southwark Restaurant

    South Philadelphia

    Southwark takes its name from the early 18th-century name for this part of the city. Their bistro-style menu is short, but sweet, with several good pasta…

  • Stargazy

    South Philadelphia

    Homesick Brits rejoice. As well as traditional beef and onion pies served with mash, you can also find Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and even jellied…

  • Royal Izakaya

    South Philadelphia

    The bar here offers casual dining and a wide range of dishes including sushi rolls, salads and gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), along with a good choice of…

  • Serpico

    South Philadelphia

    There's some inspired fusion cooking at this classy collaboration between James Beard award–winning chef Peter Serpico and top Philly restaurateur Stephen…

  • Big Gay Ice Cream

    South Philadelphia

    Ranked one of the best ice creams in the world, Big Gay Ice Cream is not a Philly original (it's NYC-based), but who can resist the lure of its signature …

  • The Tasty

    South Philadelphia

    Though you order at the counter and service can be a bit brusque, there's an undeniably hip feel to this diner that serves up vegan dishes such as tofu…

  • Fitzwater Cafe

    South Philadelphia

    A South Philly classic diner, no-nonsense waitresses serve generous all-day breakfast dishes at this handsome cash-only joint in a former gas station. If…

  • Geno's Steaks

    South Philadelphia

    You won't miss Geno's, which commands its sharp triangular street corner in a blaze of orange and neon as if it has wandered in from the Las Vegas strip…

  • Pat's King of Steaks

    South Philadelphia

    Pat's claim to fame is that it invented the cheesesteak way back in 1930. Order 'wit' (with) or 'widdout' (without) onions, and with your choice of cheese…

  • Jim's Steaks

    South Philadelphia

    'Pizza steak' – topped with tomato sauce – is an option, as are cold hoagies. But most come to this handsomely done up black, white and silver diner for…

  • Blue Corn

    South Philadelphia

    In the heart of the Italian Market is this appealing Mexican restaurant which comes highly recommended for its nachos, ceviche and tacos and is a cut…

  • Isgro Pasticceria

    South Philadelphia

    This pastry shop has been satisfying Philadelphia's sweet tooth since 1904 and is known for its Italian treats, such as cannoli filled with either ricotta…

  • Tony Luke's

    South Philadelphia

    Customers drive from far and wide to this old-school, non-fancy sandwich shop in an industrial part of town. It's famous for its roast pork sandwich with…

  • Miss Rachel's Pantry

    South Philadelphia

    Caterer Rachel Klein prepares five-course vegan (and kosher) feasts served around a farmhouse table in a cutely decorated space that also doubles as a…

  • John's Water Ice

    South Philadelphia

    If it's good enough for a president, it's good enough for us. Sample the classic Philly iced treat (pronounced 'wooder ice') made with nothing artificial…

  • Brigantessa

    South Philadelphia

    It's hard to argue with pizza and beer, especially when it's crispy Naples style – but also try the heartier dishes from all over Italy, such as the wood…

  • Center City Pretzel Co

    South Philadelphia

    Rock up at the bakery door for a classic Philly pretzel, warm out of their giant oven, and made with only flour, water and yeast. They also make a whole…